Victoria Falls is looking ahead to a bumper 2023, and while there are many reasons to include this Natural Wonder of the World in your travel plans for next year, here are just five of them.
Swim in Devil’s Pool
There is a jaw-dropping pool situated on the Zambian side of the falls named ‘Devils Pool’. When the river level drops each year, a magnificent rock pool is exposed, creating the most scenic plunge pool on earth and an ideal photo opportunity for those brave enough to try. Be sure to plan ahead for this activity as Devil’s Pool is only open between late August and early January.
There is an incredible 2023 event lineup
Enjoy a music festival or a sporting event in a spectacular setting. Many of these events also raise much-needed funds for local charities or conservation organisations, so by participating, you’ll also be having a positive impact on the ground.
The Vic Falls Carnival, dubbed “Africa’s most exciting music festival”, offers three days of non-stop entertainment from the continent’s biggest acts, will be held from April 28 to 30. The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon – where you can spot elephants while running a marathon – will be held on July 2.
Other fixtures on the annual calendar include the two-day Victoria Falls Enduro for motorbike enthusiasts and the Victoria Falls Trail Run. Imagine running 50km over two days through villages, remote forests and wildlife-rich areas along the edge of the Batoka Gorge with the Zambezi River below. The Zambezi Cycle Challenge, a three-day 190km mountain bike event, takes place in July.
More than two birds with one stone
When you visit Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, you don’t travel all that way merely to see a picturesque waterfall. There is so much more to do. There are great opportunities for wildlife viewing. Considering taking a game drive through the Zambezi National Park, home to elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and other wildlife as well as a wide variety of birds. Don’t forget to enjoy a sundowner at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, overlooking its famous waterhole frequented by elephants, buffalos and more.
There is also the opportunity to sit with a professional guide at Siduli Hide where you can get so close to elephants you can count their eyelashes! Visitors may also learn about the plight of endangered vultures and witness them feeding at the daily Vulture Culture Experience.
Victoria Falls is not named “The Adventure Capital of Africa” for nothing either, with more than 40 activities to choose from, ranging from a romantic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River to helicopter flights over the Falls and a gorge swing.
Victoria Falls is smack bang in the middle of … everywhere!
Since the construction of an international airport in Victoria Falls in 2016, the travel destination, surrounded by some of the most pristine and diverse wildlife areas left on the planet, is becoming a gateway to the region. Victoria Falls is located in the middle of Southern Africa and close to where four countries meet – Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia, with Angola not too far away either. So Victoria Falls offers easy access to these countries and their gems, such as Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Victoria Falls has a brand-new spa
There is truly no better way to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing than with a luxurious massage at the newly opened Victoria Falls Safari Spa, or better still, take half a day or a whole day out to pamper yourself. Located in indigenous woodland on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, with the occasional warthog or bushbuck wandering past, the spa features:
· manicure and pedicure stations
· a hair and make-up studio
· relaxation rooms
· a splash pool and café
· three stand-alone treatment rooms.
Operated by a team of five therapists, using all-natural, plant-based Africology and Cashmere & Co. products, Victoria Falls’ largest and first purpose-built spa offers a range of luxurious treatments. The African-tented safari camp-style spa is bold and colourful and incorporates local Ndebele design elements.
Pictures: Supplied
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